Dog Shooting in Rogue River A Mystery

Investigators say somebody fired a gun directly into the mouth of a 2-year-old mixed-breed dog that was found bloody and tied to the porch of a Southern Oregon animal clinic. A veterinarian says the dog's survival depends on the wire holding his jaw together. She says the wound is leaking, but the dog is eating watered-down food.

The Medford Mail Tribune reported Wednesday the dog was found Friday. It had no tags. A veterinary worker describes the dog as friendly.

Rogue River Police Chief Ken Lewis describes the shooting as "execution-style," with the gun muzzle stuck in the dog's mouth. He notes that people have a right to defend themselves if animals turn vicious and charge. He says it's a felony count if the shooting was without provocation.